[ Eric Ambler, thriller writer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Eric Ambler') to military historian Barrie Pitt, regarding the award of an OBE and the gift of a book. With copies of two letters by Pitt to Ambler.

1p. 8vo. In good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. With envelope addressed by Ambler to Pitt at Kennister in Somerset. Also present are copies of two letters to Ambler from Pitt, dated 2 January and 20 February 1980. In the first Pitt congratulates Ambler on the receipt of an OBE, reminds him of their previous correspondence through Peter Janson-Smith, and sends 'Part I of my trilogy on the North African campaign' ('If it gives you one tenth of the enjoyment I get from every one of your books, it will have been worth writing.'). In his letter Ambler apologises for not acknowledging the receipt of PItt's book ('I was in America in January'), and regarding one of his own to be sent in return, blames a 'part-time secretary', who, 'with her nice Swiss sense of the fitness of things, sees a book and thinks of postage'. He ends the letter by telling Pitt that he is taking the book 'on a journey as an antidote to boredom. Needless to say, I wish you well with parts 2 and 3 of the trilogy'. A postscript reads: 'A.J.P. Taylor said that the OBE was invented by George V to give to stationmasters who whistled off the Royal train to Balmoral. Nowadays, I hahve to say, they don't attempt to explain why you are being given it. Not a word.'